Frame having integrated lighting and power supply

ABSTRACT

Frame having integrated lighting and power supply. The frame has a structure having side, front, and rear surfaces, which enclose an inner chamber. A solar module is situated in the area of at least one of the surfaces. A power accumulator is provided, which is connectable to the solar module, in order to store electrical energy which is provided by the solar module) in the case of incident light. Lighting means are situated inside the frame, which can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator. A transparent plate is provided in the area of the front surface and an object can be presented in the inner chamber. Furthermore, the frame comprises means for opening and closing the frame, in order to be able to introduce the object into the inner chamber so that it can be lighted by the lighting means.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priorities of the Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/EP2008/068044, as filed on Dec. 19, 2008; and

European Patent Application No. EP 07 123 945.3, as filed on Dec. 21, 2007, which all are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame having integrated lighting and power supply for the protected presentation of objects.

There are various possibilities for presenting two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects. Posters or other two-dimensional objects, which are applied to a carrier, or are located between two plates, the front of which is transparent, are frequently used in advertising.

Three-dimensional objects, such as goods which are to be presented, are frequently presented in display windows or display cabinets.

In order to draw attention to such objects, they are sometimes lighted. Either the lighting is integrated, or it is external lighting which is directed onto the object.

A further possibility for displaying two-dimensional objects are lighted signs. There are numerous approaches here, which are all relatively expensive and inflexible, however.

The demand increasingly exists for offering solutions for the presentation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, which ensure a high degree of attention, but, on the other hand, require little or no installation effort.

Especially for the presentation of art objects such as paintings, prints, or also sculptures, the need additionally exists to protect these objects, while they are presented and lighted as ideally as possible.

For some time, there has been the need for offering a corresponding solution which meets greatly varying requirements and is nonetheless relatively cost-effective. On the one hand, this solution is to be as autonomous as possible, in order to reduce the installation effort. On the other hand, however, a large amount of attention is to be drawn to the presented object.

In addition, the protection of the presented objects places special demands on the novel solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A frame is provided according to the invention which has integrated lighting and power supply. The frame is self-supporting per se and has side, front, and rear surfaces, which enclose an inner chamber. A solar module is situated in the area of at least one of these surfaces and a power accumulator is provided, which is connectable to the solar module in order to store electrical energy, which is provided by the solar module in the case of incident light. Lighting means are situated inside the frame, which can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator. A transparent plate is provided in the area of the front surface, behind which an object is presentable in the inner chamber. Appropriate means are provided for opening and closing the frame, so that the object can be introduced into the inner chamber. The object is lighted by the lighting means in the inner chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, it is a so-called intelligent, autonomous frame, which is as free of maintenance as possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a special frame profile is used, which is designed and dimensioned so that all parts or all essential parts of the entire frame may be connected to the frame profile or fastened on the frame profile. The frame profile is designed so that it can be cut to size and used for the frame in various sizes. A stable basic framework can be prepared using few actions from the frame profile according to the invention, which is used as the support element for all other components and parts of the frame.

It is thus viewed as an essential advantage of the frame according to the invention that it does not require any type of electrical installation. The frame is thus suitable for exhibition and/or attachment at any arbitrary location.

Advantageous embodiments of the frame according to the invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail hereafter with reference to the drawings. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first frame according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the first frame according to the invention in open form;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an upper area of a further frame according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of specific components of a frame according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a shows a schematic block diagram of a controller of a further frame according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an emergency circuit of a further frame according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a two-dimensional object which can be exhibited in a frame according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a lateral area of a further frame according to the invention in the closed state;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a lateral area of the frame according to FIG. 8 in the open state;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of lighting means according to the invention having diffusor elements;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of an LED having diffusor, which can be used as the lighting means according to the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a further frame according to the invention in the closed state;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of the frame according to the invention from FIG. 12 in open form;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a further frame according to the invention, which is fastened to a wall like a lighted sign;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a further frame according to the invention, which is fastened on a pedestal;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic front view of a further frame according to the invention, which is constructed using a frame profile according to the invention;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic sectional view of a further frame according to the invention from the rear according to FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of a frame profile according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to so-called frames 10, which are capable of receiving and presenting one or more objects 20 in an inner chamber 14.

The term frame 10 is used to refer to housings, containers, display cabinets, and the like, which have a protected inner chamber 14. The word frame 10 implies that there is a basic structure like a frame or framework which is equipped with paneling elements, parts, or components. The basic structure like a frame or framework is preferably constructed or built from special frame profiles, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example. However, other basic structures may also be used.

The frame preferably, but not necessarily, has a rectangular or square shape and its height H and length L are significantly greater than its thickness D, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, in the case of the preferred embodiments: H>>D and L>>D. However, the frame can also have other dimensions depending on the type and size of the object 20 to be exhibited.

The term object 20 is used, inter alia, to refer to the following two-dimensional objects: pictures, posters, advertisements, logos, trade-marks, inscriptions, company or product names, prints, works of art, illustrations, and the like. The term object 20 is also used to refer to, inter alia, the following three-dimensional objects: works of art, sculptures, trophies, goods, and products, three-dimensional trademarks, and the like. These lists are not to be viewed as restrictive, but rather as an open list which was incorporated in order to indicate the manifold objects which may be exhibited or presented and thus also the broad usability of the invention.

A first embodiment of a frame 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The frame 10 has an integrated lighting unit 17 having power supply 16. The frame 10 has a supporting (basic) structure having side surfaces 11, front surfaces 12, and rear surfaces 13. Both the top and bottom and also the lateral surfaces are designated here as the side surfaces 11. The surfaces 11, 12, 13 enclose an inner chamber 14, which is rectangular in the present case. A solar module 15 is situated in the area of at least one side surface 11. If the frame 10 is subjected to a light source, such as the sun, the solar module 15 generates electrical energy. A power accumulator 16 is provided, which is connectable to the solar module 15, in order to store the electrical energy which is provided by the solar module 15 in the case of incident light.

Lighting means 17 are situated inside the frame 10, which can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator 16. A transparent plate 12.1, which is rectangular in the present case and whose length and height is somewhat less than the length L and height H of the frame 10, is provided in the area of the front surface 12.

The frame 10 is implemented so that an object 20 is presentable in the inner chamber 14. Furthermore, means 50 are provided for opening and closing the frame 10, in order to be able to introduce the object 20 into the inner chamber 14, so that it can be lighted by the lighting means 17. Exemplary means 50 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 2 and 4 show that in this embodiment the lighting means 17 have a plate-shaped carrier 17.2, which is occupied by a large number of LEDs 17.1. The plate-shaped carrier 17.2 rests or is preferably seated on the rear wall 13 of the frame 10, as is also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or the plate-shaped carrier 17.2 is plugged into slots of a (basic) structure, which is constructed from special frame profiles.

LEDs 17.1 which are situated connected in series are preferably used. Multiple such series circuits may be placed adjacent to one another in columns on the carrier 17.2, for example, and fastened thereon. A possible embodiment of the lighting means 17 is shown in FIG. 4. Each of the series circuits comprises 15 LEDs 17.1. 26 such series circuits were situated adjacent to one another. A type of matrix having R=15 rows and S=26 columns thus results.

The individual LEDs 17.1 are preferably situated in relation to one another so that both the spacing in the longitudinal direction and also the spacing in the transverse direction are equal (equidistant configuration). The equidistant configuration is schematically indicated in FIG. 4 by a small square Q. It is ensured by the equidistant configuration that after the placement or fastening of a translucent plate 19 (diffusor pane or scattering plate), a uniformly illuminating background light is externally visible. The diffusor pane 19 forms the lighting means 17 together with the carrier plates 17.2 and the LEDs 17.1.

Instead of using a continuous (one-piece) diffusor pane 19, diffusor elements 19.1 (scattering elements) may also be used, which are placed over each LED series circuit, or LEDs may be used which each have a separate diffusor 19.2 (scattering lens). An example of lighting means 17 having corresponding diffusor elements 19.1 is shown in FIG. 10. The diffusor elements 19.1 preferably have the form of a hollow semi-cylinder. An LED 17.1 having integrated (separate) diffusor 19.2 is indicated in FIG. 11. The diffusor elements 19.1, the diffusor pane 19, or the diffusor 19.2 is preferably manufactured from PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate, acrylic glass, Plexiglas®, or Limacryl®), or another synthetic plastic similar to glass and is to have a degree of transmission greater than 60%, preferably greater than 80%, in order to be able to ensure uniform background lighting.

So-called LED strip modules or LED chains are preferably used, each strip or each chain having multiple LEDs. The length, the brightness, and/or the color temperature of the LED strip modules or LED chains may be selected as needed, so that they match the particular use of the frame.

High-performance LEDs in COB (chip on board) technology are particularly preferred. The lighting means 17 and/or the LEDs 17.1 are preferably immersion-lacquered or coated using a spray material in order to prevent the penetration of moisture.

The lighting means 17 are preferably implemented as dimmable. Preferably, LEDs which may be dimmed using pulse width modulation (PWM) are used for this purpose. The overall height of the LEDs 17.1, possibly including a strip-shaped circuit board, if the LEDs are situated in a series circuit, is preferably less than 5 mm. The lighting means 17 made of LEDs 17.1 and diffusor plate 19 or element 19.1, or scattering lens 19.2, are thus very thin and compact.

One or more solar modules 15 are preferably fastened flatly on a side surface 11, preferably the upper side surface 11, as shown in FIG. 1. The solar module 15 is to have a length which is somewhat shorter than the total length L and the width which is somewhat shorter than the thickness D. The solar module(s) 15 is/are preferably plugged into slots of a (basic) structure, which is constructed from special frame profiles (see FIG. 18, for example).

The solar module 15 is preferably inlaid in a recess 11.1, which is provided in the area of the upper side surface 11 of the frame 10. The recess 11.1 has a depth which at least corresponds to the thickness of the solar module 15. The rear side of the solar module 15 is preferably glued over its entire surface to the top side of the recess 11.1. In order to protect the solar module 15, a cover or protective layer 15.1 can be situated above the solar module 15 or applied to the solar module 15, as indicated in FIG. 3. The solar module 15 is protected from destruction or contamination by the protective layer 15.1.

An embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 in which the frame 10 has a supporting frame structure (basic structure) made of frame profiles 18. In other embodiments, in contrast, the frame 10 can also be implemented as self-supporting (i.e., it does not have a supporting frame structure).

A frame 10 which has a programmable controller 30 in order to be able to configure the lighting behavior of the frame 10 is particularly preferred. A particularly preferred controller 30 is shown in FIG. 5 in the form of a block diagram.

A central element of such a controller 30 is a processor 31, for example, in the form of a microprocessor, which is connected to multiple peripheral components. At least one sensor 32.1 (referred to as sensor 1) is provided, which provides the processor 31 with information about at least one external environmental state (such as temperature, brightness, incident light, movement, etc.). In order that the controller 30 can be configured, an interface 33 is provided.

Configurability is understood hereafter as relating to one or more of the following aspects:

light duration, and/or

luminosity, and/or

color temperature, and/or

emergency program, and/or

size (dimensions) of the area which can be lighted.

Further examples of the configurability are explained in greater detail in the following description. A dedicated block 36 is shown in FIG. 5, which is to indicate that the controller 30 can be implemented as configurable. This element 36 is shown by dashed lines (as are some of the other elements), because this is an optional feature.

For example, the configuration can be loaded, edited, or erased via the interface 33 using an external computer or using a PDA. The approach of working with an externally configurable controller 30 makes the frame 10 into a so-called intelligent frame, which can be adapted depending on the purpose and field of use.

Preferably, further sensors 32.2, 32.3 (e.g., sensors 2 and 3) are provided in addition to the listed sensor 32.1. The frame 10 can thus, for example, adapt its lighting behavior to the situation. If one of the sensors is a movement sensor (for example, as the sensor 32.2), the lighting means 17 may only be turned on if someone approaches the frame 10. Through this measure, electrical energy can be saved and the period of use is lengthened for the case in which no sun shines on the solar module 15.

If a brightness sensor is used (for example, as the sensor 32.3), the lighting means 17 may be turned on as soon as it is dark. Electrical energy can also be saved by this measure.

An optional memory 37 may be used in order to be able to load various programs or settings (and/or configurations).

The solar module 15 is shown on the right side in FIG. 5. The lighting means 17 may be activated via an optional voltage regulator 38 (referred to as regulator) and an optional voltage supply 39. The activation is preferably performed via a special activation circuit 51. The activation circuit 51 can dim the LEDs 17.1 using PWM, for example, if this is predefined by the configuration.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller 30 has communication means 34 (communication). These communication means 34 allow the controller 30 to send out signals, for example, if an emergency situation occurs. However, the communication means 34 may also be used in order to play back information to service personnel. This can be information about recent events, for example, which was recorded by the processor 31 and stored in the memory 37, for example. By analyzing the recorded information, the service personnel can change settings/configurations or replace parts which are defective, for example.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the columns and/or rows of the lighting means 17 may be activated individually. Special light effects may thus be generated, or the number of the LEDs 17.1 which light up may be reduced, as soon as the brightness sensor detects that ambient light is present. In this way, the sides (dimensions) of the lighted or backlighted area can also be set.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame 10 is locked and cannot be opened without authorization. The closure or the locking is ensured by electromagnetic means. Exemplary electromagnetic means 56 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. These electromagnetic means 56 require electrical energy, for example, in the form of a switching pulse, in order to open a bolt.

If the frame 10 no longer has electrical energy, for example, because the power accumulator 16 is empty, because sunlight has no longer fallen on the solar module 15 for some time, such electromagnetic means 56 can no longer be opened. According to the invention, the frame 10 has an emergency interface 35 for feeding energy from an external power source 40, as schematically shown in FIG. 6, for this purpose. This is either an emergency interface 35 in the form of a plug/coupling connection, or a wireless or contactless emergency interface 35 (for example, an emergency interface 35 for inductive or optical power coupling). Service personnel can bring a power source 40 into proximity to the contactless emergency interface 35, or connect a power source 40 to the emergency interface 35 (or plug it therein), in order to be able to actuate (unlock) the means 56. The frame 10 can be opened after the unlocking of the means 56. The amount of energy which is supplied via the emergency interface 35 must be sufficient to give a switching pulse to the means 56, for example.

Means 56 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which are situated in the area between a front part of the frame 10 and a rear part of the frame 10. The front side 12 of the frame 10 forms a peripheral edge and has a planar rear side, which is pressed against a seal 55 when the frame is closed as shown in FIG. 8. The frame 10 is shown in the open position in FIG. 9. It may be seen here that the means 56 have an upper element 56.2 and a lower element 56.1. Upon opening, these two elements 56.1, 56.2 are separated. A mechanical bolt (not shown) is preferably connected to the means 56 so that upon application of the switching pulse, the bolt unlocks and the two elements 56.1, 56.2 may be separated.

The means 56 are preferably self-locking means which may be remotely actuated electrically (e.g., via a switching pulse).

In the case of a further embodiment, the opening of the frame 10 is performed externally via authorization check (transponder, wireless remote operation). For example, service personnel can establish a communication link (e.g., via the interface 33) using a computer or PDA, in order to announce themselves to the controller 30 of the frame 10. When a corresponding authentication has been performed in the interaction between controller 30 and computer or PDA, the unlocking can occur as described.

FIG. 7 shows a poster having an imprint as an example of the object 20 which could be shown in a frame 10 according to the invention. The object 20 can be stretched on a flat frame or carrier 22, for example. It may be seen in FIG. 8 how the poster may be held in the frame 10. It is obvious that there are greatly varying ways and possibilities for fixing an object 20 inside the frame 10. Quick-acting connections, e.g., using magnets or clamping means, are particularly preferred.

A partial section through a lateral area of a further frame 10 is shown in FIG. 8. Parts of the means 50 for opening and closing the frame 10 are shown in this figure. A block 52 having a rail 52.1 is fastened to the rear of the front part of the frame 10. The block 52 including rail 52.1 extends perpendicular to the front side 12 and thus protrudes into the inner chamber 14. A further block 53 having a carriage 53.1 is provided on the inside on a side wall 11. The carriage 53.1 engages in the rail 52.1 and allows a displacement movement of the front part upward, as indicated by the arrow P1. When the front part is moved upward, the carriage 53.1 slides along the rail 52.1 and the means 50 move apart like a cantilever or a drawer guide. The frame is shown in the open state in FIG. 9. The frame 10 can be closed again by a movement of the front part in the direction P2. The carriage 53.1 slides along the rail 52.1 again and the means 50 telescope.

A schematic illustration of a further frame 10 according to the invention is shown in the closed state in FIG. 12. The frame 10 shown has a front part 23 and a rear part 24. The front part 23 essentially comprises the front surface 12, a transparent plate 12.1, and means 50 for opening and closing the frame on the rear side. The rear part 24 essentially comprises a rear side 13, which is enclosed by perpendicular side walls or side surfaces 11. An inner chamber 14 is thus defined, which is covered at the front by the front part 23. An image (object 20) having multiple houses is exhibited in the frame 10.

After the (electromagnetic) unlocking, the front part 23 can be pulled forward, as indicated by the two arrows P1 in FIG. 13. The front part is guided by the means 50 like a drawer for opening and closing. These means 50 preferably have a stop so that the front part 20 cannot detach from the rear part 24.

One of the means 50 is shown in the gap between the front part 23 and the rear part 24 in FIG. 13. For example, an object 20 can be introduced from below or above into the inner chamber 14 in the open position shown in FIG. 13. For example, a poster 20 or a painting 20 can be introduced into the inner chamber 14. After the opening of the frame 10, the object 20 (image having houses) was removed.

FIG. 14 shows that a further frame 10 according to the invention, which is equipped with an inscription or logo like a lighted sign, can be fastened on the wall 60 or on another surface. Preferably, the frame 10 has appropriate fastening means. It is an advantage of this embodiment that a costly lighted sign, which is complex to install, can be replaced by such a frame 10.

Frames 10 of this type may also be readily installed on traveling or moving platforms, for example, on trains, ships, buses, streetcars, and the like. However, the frames may also be used in elevators, or they may be used as display elements for train, bus, and roadway connections. For example, they may be used for advertising purposes or for displaying menu suggestions in the hotel or restaurant field.

A further possible use is shown in FIG. 15. The frame 10 can be fastened on a pedestal 61 or frame, for example. It is advantageous that no power or other terminals are required.

A further particularly preferred embodiment can be inferred from FIGS. 16, 17, and 18. This embodiment builds on the embodiments which were described up to this point. I.e., the embodiment described hereafter shares all essential elements with the above-described embodiments. Only those elements or components which are implemented differently are explained explicitly hereafter. The frame 10 has a (basic) structure which is assembled from a special frame profile. This frame profile comprises multiple oblong sections 18.1, 18.2, 18.4. The front view of a frame 10 is shown in FIG. 16, which is formed by the frame profiles 18.1 and 18.2. Joints 18.3 (similarly to a picture frame) are located in the corners, where the frame profile sections 18.1 and 18.2 abut one another. Viewed from the rear side (see FIG. 17), it can be seen that four frame profiles 18.4 stand perpendicular to the rectangular frame element, which is formed from the frame profiles 18.1 and 18.2. These four frame profile sections 18.4 are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

On the rear side, the frame profile sections 18.1, 18.2, 18.4 have slots or grooves, as indicated in FIG. 17. The section through one of the frame profile sections 18.4 is shown in FIG. 18. For example, the solar module 15 can be inserted or pushed into an upper first slot 18.5. For example, a carrier or housing plate 15.2 can be inserted or pushed into a second slot 18.6 below the solar module 15. For example, a lateral housing wall or plate 11 can be inserted or pushed into a third slot 18.7. A further slot 18.8 can receive a circuit board or carrier plate 16.1, for example, which carries an electronic circuit or electrical parts (such as the power supply or power accumulator 16), for example (not shown in FIG. 18).

The corresponding frame profile 18 is implemented so that it is used, on the one hand, as the basic structure for the frame 10 and provides it with the required mechanical stability. On the other hand, the frame profile 18 offers possibilities for being able to fasten components and elements of the frames 10 thereon, as indicated for exemplary purposes in FIG. 18.

For the exhibition of high value objects 20, such as works of art, the frame 10 can be implemented as particularly solid, in order to avoid destruction. Such a frame 10 preferably comprises a communication module (such as a module 34), in order to send out an alarm in case of sabotage, movement, heat, or light action. The transparent plate 12.2 is preferably designed as scratch-proof and/or destruction-proof. 

1. A frame with integrated lighting and power supply comprising, a frame having a structure with side, front and rear surfaces and enclosing an inner chamber a solar module situated in the area of at least one of the surfaces a power accumulator connectable to the solar module, in order to store electrical energy which is provided by the solar module, lighting means inside the frame, which can be supplied with electrical energy by the power accumulator, a transparent plate in the area of the front surface, means for opening and closing the frame in order to introduce an object into the inner chamber so that it can be lighted by the lighting means.
 2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the solar module is fastened flatly on a side surface.
 3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the solar module is protected against destruction or contamination by a protective layer.
 4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the lighting means comprises a plurality of flatly situated light sources.
 5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are situated in equidistant rows and columns.
 6. The frame according to claim 4, wherein the lighting means comprise a diffusor pane and/or diffusor elements and/or scattering lenses.
 7. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a programmable controller.
 8. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a processor and at least one sensor to detect an environmental condition.
 9. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a processor and an external interface.
 10. The frame according to claim 9, wherein the controller is programmable via the external interface.
 11. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a processor and remote communication means.
 12. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency interface for feeding energy from an external power source for emergency opening.
 13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein after the connection of the external power source to the emergency interface, electromagnetic unlocking for opening and closing the frame is made possible.
 14. The frame according to claim 12, further comprising electromagnetic locking means to block opening of the frame if no current or switching pulse is applied to the locking means.
 15. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising an object which is a two-dimensional image seated on a carrier.
 16. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a communication module and one or more.
 17. The frame according to claim 16, wherein the communication module can send out a message or an alarm to get help.
 18. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a supporting basic structure, which is assembled from frame profiles, said frame profiles being designed so that elements and/or components of the frame are directly connectable to the frame profiles.
 19. The frame according to claim 18, wherein the frame profiles have slots and/or grooves in order to be able to plug in or insert one or more of the following elements or components: side surfaces, front surfaces, rear surfaces, transparent plate, lighting means, diffusor pane, carrier, solar module. 